White House Health Forum Convenes Today

President Barack Obama has invited to the White House more than 120 people with wide-ranging views on how to fix the US health-care system, one that still leaves millions uninsured despite being the world's costliest. The group of doctors, patients, business owners, and insurers is to gather for a forum today in hopes of building support for big changes in health care.

The difference this time, Obama argues, is that costs have become unsustainable, particularly in a sinking economy. The US spends $2.4 trillion a year on health care, yet an estimated 48 million Americans lack coverage. "This is a different day," said one invitee who opposed President Clinton's plan. "I think everyone wants to see this work. There is a tremendous feeling that it's time." (More Barack Obama stories.)